tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763223073121352432024-03-05T02:38:56.363-06:00Faith Family Resource CenterUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-13220380820494925672018-01-06T23:24:00.000-06:002018-01-07T19:18:16.761-06:00Don’t Mess with the BIBLE! (Matthew 5:17-20) <br />
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First of all, no, it hasn’t taken me two years to read Matthew 5:17-20. Second of all, yes, I did get stalled out in continuing this blog. Third of all, I am sorry.<br />
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Now, let’s get back into THE WORD in 2018! Read Matthew 5:17-20.<br />
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Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14-16 to shine our light. (Remember that last blog post, “Turn on the LIGHT” from two years ago ?) This instruction makes sense. -Who wants to live in darkness? (Unfortunately, quite a few folks - but <u>not</u> me.)<br />
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Hmmm...how can I share the light when I haven’t plugged into the Bible? That’s like trying to turn on a lamp which has not been plugged into an outlet! Enter: Jesus' next instruction.<br />
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Jesus tells his Jewish audience He has not come to change their book, the “Torah” (our Old Testament). He says he has come to give “the rest of the story.”<br />
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I know you are reading the text, so I’ll take great liberty to paraphrase Jesus next instruction:<br />
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Don’t mess with the Bible.<br />
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-Study God’s Word for all it’s worth. Pray for discernment. Don’t change or distort God’s Laws and Commandments, especially if you are teaching others. DON’T lead others in the wrong direction, like the Pharisees. <br />
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Get it straight. Don’t mess with the Bible! Read God’s Word and share God’s Light!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-33362567873700787592015-09-22T18:58:00.000-05:002015-09-22T19:10:07.306-05:00Turn on the LIGHT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-5-14" id="en-NIV-23249" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“You are the light of the world.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23249A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23249A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-15" id="en-NIV-23250" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23250B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23250B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-16" id="en-NIV-23251" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">In the same way, let your light shine before others,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23251C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23251C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that they may see your good deeds<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23251D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23251D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and glorify<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23251E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23251E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> your Father in heaven."</span></span></span></i></b></blockquote>
Matthew 5:14-16<br />
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My daughter's old bedroom is full of starlight.<br />
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I had forgotten this, but the other day, I fell asleep while reading on her old bed. (I am old. Whenever I stop moving...I fall asleep!)<br />
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When I woke in the darkness, I had to blink. The walls of the room were shimmering with "stars" of neon paint. Enid had dabbed the hopeful little lights on her wall years and years ago. I never got around to painting over.<br />
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Truth be told, the shimmering light was kinda pretty. We can all use a little light. <br />
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Jesus told us we can share the light....if we want. Light shines in the darkest times. Light shows the way. Light can even bring hope.<br />
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I used to work in a hospital run by beautiful German nuns who worked in Berlin during the Second World War. Bombing often took them into underground shelters. Darkness was thick, deep, forboding in those bomb bunkers.<br />
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"Der light of one candle could calm us," Sister Hildegarde told me. "Ven ve saw der light, we had hope."<br />
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When we let Jesus into our lives, He brings light to us in so many ways:<br />
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<b>Jesus gives us:</b></div>
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<b>...The light of love</b></div>
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<b>...The light of hope</b></div>
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<b>...The light of understanding</b></div>
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<b>...The light of salvation</b></div>
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Why in the world would I want to take Jesus' gift of light and hide it?</div>
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Enter: Paranoid and forgetful follower of Christ -- That's me.</div>
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When I "hunker down" in my corner and keep all that light to myself because I too darn tired to go out,...welp, I'm putting my light under a bowl. <br />
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When I rush around with my "to-do" lists and forget I possess a light which needs to be shared, I'm putting my light under a bowl. I should always take the time to share the light. </div>
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Who's gonna see the light with me around? My bunker can get pretty dark in this worldly war. </div>
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OK, Jesus. In Matthew 5, verse 15, you tell me I shouldn't put my light under a bowl.<br />
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I've gotta remember that. <br />
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I need to let Jesus give me the energy. I need to let Jesus give me the opportunity.<br />
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I need to hold up my light...so I can find my way. <br />
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- How about you?<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-49009436184224107442015-09-11T07:33:00.000-05:002015-09-11T07:33:30.717-05:00Pass the SALT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.55em; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span class="versenum" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><i> </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><i>“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."</i> -- Matt 5:13</span></h3>
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I admit it. I'm a salt sneaker. Don't tell my husband. <br />
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Every once in a while, when we go to a fast food restaurant, I dump a little pile of the stuff on my fries and eat them. My husband usually glares his "That's not good for you" glare.<br />
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He's partially right, but there was a time, long ago, when salt was crucial to life. In Bible times, it was used as a preservative. It was critical to long-term survival of the people.<br />
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In Matthew 5:13, Jesus called us " the salt of the earth". Basically, salt was a life-giver back in those days. Was Jesus implying I could enhance someone's life....or perhaps even offer them a life-giving message?<br />
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I'm thinking, in many ways, I have lost my salty flavor. I've become lethargic and self-centered. I've forgotten to add zest to other's lives because I'm so wrapped up in my own.<br />
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When salt lost it's flavor in Bible times, it was cast onto the walking paths. If it was no good for life, it could at least kill the weeds.<br />
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Hmmmm. I don't want to lose my flavor. I want to share Jesus' love with others. I want to let them know life can be so much easier when we look to God as our guide. <br />
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I want to sprinkle resurrection hope into their lives. I want them to know there is meaning to lifetime struggle, as long as we focus on Jesus. He's a super chef and does great things with our salty qualities.<br />
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Whereas I don't want to abuse my body with too much salt at the fast food place, I <u>do</u> want to enhance my world by sharing the life-giving Truth: <br />
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Jesus loves you, plain and simple. You matter. God has gifted you and given you great guidelines to follow. He will help you get through whatever you are facing.<br />
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Hang in there....and pass the salt.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-4683899733892747272015-08-22T13:51:00.002-05:002015-08-22T14:02:16.657-05:00Don't Be Bummed Out When You Are Blessed! <div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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I hope you are reading through Matthew Chapter 5. <br />
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Let's read it over and over the next few weeks. -Try reading before you go to bed. <br />
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Ask God to bless your understanding and application. Today, we are pulling out Matt 5:10-12 to explore more closely.</div>
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Have you ever felt discouraged? Do you try to do the right thing only to get shot down? <br />
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I'm keenly aware of rolled eyes and behind back whispers. Folks often decide to label Christians without even knowing them or listening to what they have to say...Let alone giving them the right to say it.<br />
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Tolerance seems to be a one-sided deal today. Even friends and family may reject you or make fun of you if you stand firm upon God's provision.<br />
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Hang in there! Jesus tells you -- you are BLESSED! I have often found - the same people who laugh at me now run to me when chaos hits. They ask me to pray when this world dishes out horrible circumstances to them....So hang in there!<br />
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Never forget the persecution Jesus and His followers endured. <br />
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There is nothing you are going through now which Jesus did not go through:<br />
____Rejection-Check ___Ridicule-Check ___Abandonment-Check ____Persecution-Check ___Misunderstanding-Check ____Betrayal-Check ___Physical and Emotional Pain-Check ___Death-Check<br />
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The followers of Jesus were persecuted in extraordinary ways...even unto death, but, as Paul noted, even death can be a victory for a believer in Jesus.<br />
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SOOOOO -- TAKE HEART! Remember Jesus' words in Matthew: </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<b><i>Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,<br /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<br /><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23245L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23245L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></span><span class="text Matt-5-11" id="en-NIV-23246" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Blessed are you when people insult you,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23246M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23246M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> </span></i></b><b><i><span class="text Matt-5-11" id="en-NIV-23246" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23246N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23246N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> </i></b></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<b><i><span class="text Matt-5-12" id="en-NIV-23247" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Rejoice and be glad,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23247O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23247O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. -- Matthew 5:10-12</span></i></b></blockquote>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Don't be bummed out when you are blessed! </b></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-91730252473002826762015-08-06T20:49:00.001-05:002015-08-06T20:49:23.346-05:00Matthew 5 - Advice for living <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Who is blessed?</b></span><br />
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<b><i>Welcome back, folks! </i></b><br />
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I am so excited to announce we are going to explore <b>Matthew Chapter 5</b> during the next few weeks!<br />
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Take a moment to read the first ten verses now.<br />
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I've been inspired to read Matthew 5 by my dear friends at the <a href="http://www.cacesl.org/">East St. Louis Christian Activity Center </a> (CAC). This is a beautiful ministry in one of the poorest and oldest housing projects in East St. Louis, IL. We are going to explore <b>The Sermon on the Mount</b> with some of the 600+ children who pour through our doors each day. <br />
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The Sermon will be the basis for our devotionals each evening after school at CAC. I think it's good for <u>all of us to explore it thoroughly</u>.<br />
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I wish I'd been sitting listening to Jesus speak these mind-boggling words! He climbed to the side of a mountain. Curious onlookers followed. His audience was full of the poor and downtrodden. Mathew 4:23 speaks about the crowds who gathered around Jesus:<br />
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<span class="text Matt-4-23" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span><b><i>Jesus went throughout Galilee,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23233AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23233AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> teaching in their synagogues,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23233AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23233AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> proclaiming the good news<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23233AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23233AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the kingdom,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23233AF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23233AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and healing every disease and sickness among the people.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23233AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23233AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-4-24" id="en-NIV-23234" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span>News about him spread all over Syria,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23234AH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23234AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23234AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23234AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> those having seizures,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23234AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23234AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and the paralyzed;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23234AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23234AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and he healed them.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></i></b><span class="text Matt-4-25" id="en-NIV-23235" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,</span><span style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 22px;"> </span></i></b><b style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. </i></b><span style="line-height: 24px;">-- Matthew 4:23</span></span><br />
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First of all, we should understand the culture in which Jesus spoke. The poor were given no consideration. Women had no identity. Misery and hardship were lifestyles. Many in Jesus audience were intimately aware of the agony of struggling through life. <br />
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Life was hard. People were trapped in their misery. But one day, on the side of a mountain, Jesus told them their lives and struggles had meaning and purpose.<br />
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This was a riveting moment in time. Jesus begins with the Beatitudes, which means supreme blessedness. -- -Just imagine how these words impacted the people who listened! No one had ever spoken these revolutionary concepts before:<br />
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<b>The poor were blessed. The mourners were blessed. The humble were blessed. </b></div>
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<b>The merciful were blessed. The persecuted were blessed! </b></div>
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-WOW! Can you imagine how each ragged, downtrodden listener in the crowd felt? Never before had their lowly state been heralded as "blessed." <br />
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Jesus' words empowered people who were powerless. His words touched the hearts of the lowly. His words gave hope to the hopeless.<br />
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-- Perhaps your heart sags with the weight of poverty, humility, loss or persecution...<br />
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<b>Remember the Beatitudes! </b></div>
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<b>Jesus gives us meaning, power .... and LIFE!</b></div>
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Let's close the day by reading Jesus' words a few times...then we'll explore MORE on another day!<br />
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">"Blessed are the poor in spirit, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Blessed are they who mourn, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">for they shall be comforted. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Blessed are the meek, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">for they shall inherit the earth. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">for they shall be satisfied. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Blessed are the merciful, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">for they shall obtain mercy. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Blessed are the pure of heart, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">for they shall see God. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Blessed are the peacemakers, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">for they shall be called children of God. </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
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Matthew 5:3-10</div>
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<span data-dobid="hdw">___________________________________</span></div>
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<span data-dobid="hdw">be·at·i·tude</span></div>
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<span class="lr_dct_ph">bēˈatiˌt(y)o͞od/</span><span class="lr_dct_spkr lr_dct_spkr_off" data-log-string="pronunciation-icon-click" jsaction="dob.p" style="display: inline-block; height: 16px; margin: 0px 2px 4px 5px; opacity: 0.55; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;" title="Listen"><input height="14" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAA4AAAAOCAQAAAC1QeVaAAAAi0lEQVQokWNgQAYyQFzGsIJBnwED8DNcBpK+DM8YfjMUokqxMRxg+A9m8TJsBLLSEFKMDCuBAv/hCncxfGWQhUn2gaVAktkMXkBSHmh0OwNU8D9csoHhO4MikN7BcAGb5H+GYiDdCTQYq2QubkkkY/E6CLtXdiJ7BTMQMnAHXxFm6IICvhwY8AYQLgCw2U9d90B8BAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" type="image" width="14" /></span></div>
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<i>noun</i></div>
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<b></b><b></b></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif-light, sans-serif; font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px;">
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supreme blessedness.</div>
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<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">synonyms:</td><td style="padding: 0px;"><a data-ved="0CB8Q_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1PRFA_enUS421US431&espv=2&biw=1152&bih=775&q=define+blessedness&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CB8Q_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">blessedness</a>, <a data-ved="0CCAQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1PRFA_enUS421US431&espv=2&biw=1152&bih=775&q=define+benediction&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CCAQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">benediction</a>, <a data-ved="0CCEQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1PRFA_enUS421US431&espv=2&biw=1152&bih=775&q=define+grace&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CCEQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">grace</a>; <span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"></span><br />
<div style="display: inline;">
<div style="display: inline;">
<div class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="display: inline; max-height: none; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><a data-ved="0CCMQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1PRFA_enUS421US431&espv=2&biw=1152&bih=775&q=define+bliss&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CCMQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">bliss</a>, <a data-ved="0CCQQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1PRFA_enUS421US431&espv=2&biw=1152&bih=775&q=define+ecstasy&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CCQQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">ecstasy</a>, <a data-ved="0CCUQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1PRFA_enUS421US431&espv=2&biw=1152&bih=775&q=define+exaltation&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CCUQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">exaltation</a>, supreme happiness, divine joy, divine rapture; </span></div>
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<span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><a data-ved="0CCYQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1PRFA_enUS421US431&espv=2&biw=1152&bih=775&q=define+saintliness&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CCYQ_SowAGoVChMI6dPt48qUxwIVzouSCh0iSA6n" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">saintliness</a>, sainthood</span></div>
<div class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="display: inline; max-height: none; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="vk_gy">
<span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m">"the everlasting beatitude"</span><br />
<span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><br /></span>
<span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><br /></span></div>
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<span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><br /></span></div>
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<span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><br /></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-26793931831136509902015-08-05T08:32:00.001-05:002015-08-05T08:32:49.401-05:00So sorry for the delay! God is good!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS5AodEFGNy5f-mCsl-JcP-OmkxpbIxyCNtNOrbejfL5DbggClUO9B9qxw0BJX355Ms1mEg2_Tc7qQCBUILsqtTuqnFIyLYkkdSJrJzZkfeDZ3EdvDYt-wG_4gzodhVVVOZAsURvlyKc/s1600/Beautiful-Flowers-Images-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS5AodEFGNy5f-mCsl-JcP-OmkxpbIxyCNtNOrbejfL5DbggClUO9B9qxw0BJX355Ms1mEg2_Tc7qQCBUILsqtTuqnFIyLYkkdSJrJzZkfeDZ3EdvDYt-wG_4gzodhVVVOZAsURvlyKc/s320/Beautiful-Flowers-Images-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>My friends...I am so sorry for the pause in blogging! Life has interrupted. My husbands surgeries and ER visits came and went in May, June, and July. Today I am so happy to report God's gracious gift. Today I also commit to explore God's Word with you.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>I also invite you to check out my "Type A" <a href="http://www.typeachecklist.blogspot.com/">blog www.typeachecklist.blogspot.com</a> for some back to school thoughts and other special messages about marriage and relationships for your family! </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>God is good. We all move forward with His divine reassurance. </i></b><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Thank you, God, for answering my prayers! We received a positive report for my hubby! Only three more treatments to go before we get three months without (hopefully) a hospital visit.<br />
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I am tired - but at peace. Whatever the report, it is so good to know Jesus walks with us. He understands pain, struggling and disappointment. We are never alone in our walk.</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -- John 16:33</span></i></b></h2>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-61681294859885315262015-07-01T08:58:00.004-05:002015-07-01T09:03:41.220-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; line-height: 19.999979019165px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; line-height: 19.999979019165px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever."</i></span></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.999979019165px;"> -- Thomas Jefferson, 1790</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-64745634576431623412015-06-30T18:45:00.001-05:002015-06-30T18:45:04.975-05:00A Birthday Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0lgs0EvCTS5fGKuRluTGJecmkWQvIpyEmJsBzBaZOUMlneGjam4ksYrgZTDnOP23-eHwurPcm8J0-vjfwcj4Y6uFLCe9_cm5lgYBkWzHctK_ohBZSHDwhDN7AS2ZmAfWVA0-8r6xqBI/s1600/US-flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0lgs0EvCTS5fGKuRluTGJecmkWQvIpyEmJsBzBaZOUMlneGjam4ksYrgZTDnOP23-eHwurPcm8J0-vjfwcj4Y6uFLCe9_cm5lgYBkWzHctK_ohBZSHDwhDN7AS2ZmAfWVA0-8r6xqBI/s320/US-flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><i>Happy birthday, America. Sigh. How ya doin this year ? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes I wonder. Have you had a good year? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’ll decorate for your party. I know my little village will put out your flags. Red, white and blue are good colors to celebrate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Red stands for blood spilled to preserve our personal freedom. This makes me think of our soldiers. I sure do want to thank each and every one of them on your birthday. It makes me sad to think how they are treated sometimes. They deserve the birthday gifts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We reap the benefits of the soldiers' sacrifices. I hope we all remember this on your birthday, USA. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m thinking of your first birthday, July 4, 1776. The folks who helped at your birth were people of faith. We cannot and should not rewrite your life story to eliminate the faith that was present at your birth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The writers of the Declaration of <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Independence</span> attributed our rights as a nation to the blessing of a divine creator. Maybe we should read your Declaration as part of your party: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>“We hold the Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>that among these are Life, Liberty, </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>and the Pursuit of Happiness."</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks for reminding me of the God <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">part</span> in our Declaration of Independence, USA.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m gonna celebrate your birthday by <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">remembering</span> your history, my birthday nation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a matter of fact, let’s get together <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and</span> share memories <u>every</u> year. We don't want to forget the foundation which made us great and the people who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We don't want to forget HISTORY. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Something tells me the people attending your parties <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">need</span> to honor soldiers who help preserve the freedom we celebrate. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Party goers</span> need to <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">understand</span> th<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">at</span> faith <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">served</span> as a foundation<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for our birth</span> . Celebrators need to <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">understand</span> how you came to be, my precious country... the TRUTH behind the hoopla and fireworks. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">irthday</span>, America. I hope <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">birthday</span> partiers treasure your memories and don’t forget what you stand for. </span></div>
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<b><i><span class="text Ps-33-12" id="en-NIV-14379" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Blessed is the nation whose God is the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span class="text Ps-33-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><b><i>the people he chose<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14379B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14379B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for his inheritance.</i></b> - Psalm 33:12</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-49781168346973489062015-06-23T09:23:00.000-05:002015-06-23T09:23:11.194-05:00The Perfect Art of Passing Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib25a67BAXwY1D2sURoJ4x6SoDwBAfe5urBBhVbX2FyP2wva52QLRap9l6w65poJwf0ARuHGz-CJMJm4oWgXkba5sMAoJQ3m7am7x5xvQ8k6uhyphenhyphenGyVAAPo2BBgasqQSGUG6dgQG1aE1zA/s1600/lawn+chairs+empty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib25a67BAXwY1D2sURoJ4x6SoDwBAfe5urBBhVbX2FyP2wva52QLRap9l6w65poJwf0ARuHGz-CJMJm4oWgXkba5sMAoJQ3m7am7x5xvQ8k6uhyphenhyphenGyVAAPo2BBgasqQSGUG6dgQG1aE1zA/s320/lawn+chairs+empty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"> I just drove by you. I waved, but I don’t think you noticed. After all, you don’t even know me, but I feel like I know you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> I see you sitting by your garage on dusky nights when I’ve worked late and I’m trying to get home before dark. You've pulled your folding lawn chairs under the quilt pattern that displays so nicely on your garage. You are watching the evening fall.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> With all my might, I wish I could join you. Somehow, I think you'd pull up a chair and welcome me. You just seem to be those kind of folks… somebody’s grandparents…somebody’s church friends…somebody’s nice neighbors. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> I want to watch the evening fall with you. You remind me of so many special people in my life who mastered the perfect art of passing time. You have the wisdom to slow down and watch. I’m sure you see so very much.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> My Grandma and Pop pulled their folding chairs to the door of their garage on Shore Road down in Venice, Florida. I have the yellowed photo of them sitting there. I can almost imagine them sitting there, smelling a gulf breeze and watching for a friendly bird which would actually light upon Pop’s finger. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> Pop and Grandma waved at cars that passed by. Honk honk. There go the neighbors. So good to see them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> If it stormed on Siesta Key, my lovely in-laws, Beth and Bert, sat just inside their garage door. Oh, how thrilled they were to watch the tropical wind whip up! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> Beth and Bert settled into the sturdy straps of those lightweight chairs and joyfully watched the parched grass and flowers drink the speedy downpour! If I was staying with them, they’d call me to the door to watch the beauty of momentary refreshment. -What a wonderful experience. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> My mother and father had a special spot at their home by the wooded ravine to practice the perfect art of passing time. They watched the birds, savoring the shade and the cooler, drifting air. They could see the cars, but the cars could not see them. They had a secluded, peaceful spot for contented sitting. Perfect. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> Thank you to my precious couple beside the quilted shed. You remind me of the perfect art of passing time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">You also remind me of folks I love who now practice that perfect art in Heaven. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> I’ll keep waving when I pass by. I’ll also try to pull up my lawn chair and remember not to let time fly by too quickly. It's important to savor the moment and practice the perfect art. </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-14777684280618492902015-06-20T17:40:00.002-05:002015-06-20T17:41:12.910-05:00Saved by the Hug <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WCXo_JChokc4rtx3QJV8T86YK8KkAxypNKLGumWXof2_sFJUoeT-XjN3eKJEHyJsJOQ1iyV_bWbXMpIGXQrieFY0LAp_pezhb-mnjiUWn2egMMOQMA_gVPMR2jKPlEE0KpSvzRQdKys/s1600/little+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WCXo_JChokc4rtx3QJV8T86YK8KkAxypNKLGumWXof2_sFJUoeT-XjN3eKJEHyJsJOQ1iyV_bWbXMpIGXQrieFY0LAp_pezhb-mnjiUWn2egMMOQMA_gVPMR2jKPlEE0KpSvzRQdKys/s400/little+girl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aleaha danced...no...pranced into the church. Her "Buster-Brown" haircut bounced with each footfall, bobbing up and down in shimmering rhythm. <br />
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Her eyes sparkled. When she saw me, they lit up with recognition. Aleaha doesn't know me well, but her round toddler face tells me she knows me well enough. She hugged my knees. I melted.<br />
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Some might say Aleaha is imperfect. The Down Syndrome label is a heavy load for a three year old to carry. Aleaha doesn't care about labels, however.<br />
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Aleaha is busy and bound for perfect places. Her smile, her eyes, and her cherub grin are perfectly suited.<br />
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We met in the nursery during worship service. She and I settled in with the puzzles below the speaker which allowed me to listen to the service.<br />
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Pastor was praying. I thought I'd follow suit by clasping my hands and bowing my head. My heart is pretty tender these days, however. It didn't take long for a tiny tear to splash haphazardly on my cheek.<br />
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I felt her little hand first - sweetly brushing my arm. I opened my eyes to see her gazing up at me with all the perfect understanding of a saint. She said nothing, but hugged my arm with her tiny grasp. Her eyes were full of wisdom and she smiled at me with a special tenderness. <br />
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I was saved by the hug of this perfect angel. God knew what I needed. <br />
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As always, His plan is perfect and so is Aleaha. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-30336188005331334582015-06-16T08:52:00.001-05:002015-06-22T10:27:35.561-05:00John 21 - A Fishing Lesson <div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAoLLYD4OFph3JJvK7Tj5fO4CT5L45sRU63z3fK5qtdWVZnjbehL48_W1mTh1uQ9mjO8NRhJJ-cwjA2f6pGLvOBnO-wFjJw0WNm8K67fchqaUlpb1zSZhsezfYrDRkirm9ouih9e9wGQ/s1600/fish_bass_smallmouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAoLLYD4OFph3JJvK7Tj5fO4CT5L45sRU63z3fK5qtdWVZnjbehL48_W1mTh1uQ9mjO8NRhJJ-cwjA2f6pGLvOBnO-wFjJw0WNm8K67fchqaUlpb1zSZhsezfYrDRkirm9ouih9e9wGQ/s320/fish_bass_smallmouth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="text John-21-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><b><i>I'm so sorry I've been gone for awhile! Check out my "Crooked Path" article to find out what keeps me from blogging.</i></b></span></span></div>
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Who would not want to read John 21, however? In the midst of trouble and interruptions, when we can do nothing but just <u>try</u> to keep working and move forward....Jesus shows up.</div>
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Check out the disciples at the beginning of this Chapter. They've experienced a visit from their Savior. BUT ...life goes on.</div>
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The disciples are back at work fishing -- trying to get by in confusing times. Little did they know they were going to get a fishing lesson from Jesus. </div>
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Remember - Jesus will "show up" in our mundane days of work, too. Watch out for Him and don't miss His lesson. </div>
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Here's what happened on the fishing trip:</div>
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<span class="text John-21-4" id="en-NIV-26903" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26903H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26903H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-5" id="en-NIV-26904" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>He called out to them, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Friends, haven’t you any fish?”</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>"No,” they answered.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-6" id="en-NIV-26905" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>He said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”</span> When they did, they were unable to haul the net in </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>because of the large number of fish. -- </i>John 21:4-6</b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Wow! When we least expect it, a blessing will come. Watch closely for the blessing...and watch closely for the Savior. Jesus will open your eyes to his presence. Just look what happens next: </span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-7" id="en-NIV-26906" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>Then the disciple whom Jesus loved<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26906J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26906J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>and jumped into the water</i></b>.</span> </div>
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Peter ran immediately to get close to his Savior. That's not such a bad idea. Even at your desk at work, you can nestle in Jesus' arms. How? Keep a Bible verse tucked in your drawer. Open it up....There you go. Remember He is with you.</div>
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Jesus wants an intimate relationship with each one of us. In the Word of God, this is often symbolized by Him eating with His disciples. In John 21:12-14, Jesus pulls his loved ones about Him for a nice little picnic.</div>
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Don't ever forget the invitation is there for you to gather at Christ's table.</div>
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Oh, what nourishment He can bring you! Food for the body! Food for the soul! </div>
<span class="text John-21-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span>
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<b><i><span class="text John-21-12" id="en-NIV-26911" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>Jesus said to them, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Come and have breakfast.”</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-21-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-21-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">They knew it was the Lord.</span> </i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-21-13" id="en-NIV-26912" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26912M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26912M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> </i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-21-14" id="en-NIV-26913" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>This was now the third time Jesus appeared </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-21-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">to his disciples<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26913N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26913N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> after he was raised from the dead.</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="text John-21-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">When we sit at Jesus table, He will speak to us, just as He did to Peter. Pause for a moment and pray for Jesus to speak to you today. He is asking you the same questions He asked Peter. </span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">What will your answer be? This will make all the difference in the world when it comes to your fishing...</span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26914O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26914O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Feed my lambs.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26914P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26914P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-16" id="en-NIV-26915" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>Again Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Simon son of John, do you love me?”</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Take care of my sheep.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26915Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26915Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-17" id="en-NIV-26916" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>The third time he said to him, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Simon son of John, do you love me?”</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Do you love me?”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26916R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26916R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>He said, “Lord, you know all things;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26916S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26916S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> you know that I love you.”</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-21-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Feed my sheep.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26916T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26916T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span> <span class="text John-21-18" id="en-NIV-26917" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted;</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-21-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-21-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”</span> </i></b></div>
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<span class="text John-21-19" id="en-NIV-26918" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26918U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26918U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> by which Peter would glorify God.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26918V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26918V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>Then he said to him,</i></b><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>“Follow me!”</i></b><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26918W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26918W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-54978990597908515992015-06-16T08:35:00.001-05:002015-06-16T08:35:24.372-05:00Imperfect Paths to Perfect Places<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #21242b; font-family: HelveticaNeue-Light; font-size: 15px;">
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<b><i>But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. -- Isaiah 40:31</i></b></div>
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My dearest readers, I've missed you for the last couple of weeks. I can sum up my absence in one word: Life. Life isn't perfect and neither are we. Life includes trips to emergency rooms, problems, challenges, work, play, chores , delays, deadlines (which I sometimes miss) and heartache.</div>
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Life calls us to muddle through and, sometimes, with God's help, life calls us to soar. </div>
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<b>The Imperfect Path to Perfect Places</b></div>
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It was getting late and the bugs were out. I swatted mosquitoes with abandon. I was on deadline and the stones had to go in. The shovel sliced the damp ground and I scooped my dirt pile. At least the constant rain helped me loosen the soil. </div>
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I dragged the concrete stepping stone to the edge of my hole and "plopped" it in unceremoniously. --Another stone of twelve done. I sighed with relief and looked back on my stepping stone trail. </div>
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I had to laugh. The stones were set in haphazard fashion. There was no clear plan here -- just a crooked trail. Oh well, the job was done. I could get to the barn, even if the route curved in an awkward way.</div>
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Isn't that the story of my life? Yep - I'll admit it. I make mistakes along the way. My trail is definitely not perfect. </div>
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I love the fact God uses imperfect paths and imperfect people. He uses unplanned pain, unintentional mistakes and faulty folks to accomplish ... well, good stuff.</div>
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My path may not be perfect, but I give it all to God, Thanks for straightening me out, God. Thanks for putting up with my imperfections and helping me soar to perfect places. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-46263488652860093852015-05-18T09:37:00.000-05:002015-05-18T09:38:50.496-05:00Mourning into Dancing! John 20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our last session ended with a lot of "D" words and I don't <u>d</u>oubt you were wondering: What will happen NEXT?<br />
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Well -- Read John Chapter 20 and rejoice with me! But first...the sad part.<br />
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Things are looking pretty bleak for the followers of Jesus. They have witnessed Him dying on the cross. <br />
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They have followed his body to the tomb and left Him there - shrouded in burial cloth. <br />
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Mary Magdeline has come to the tomb on the first day of the week. It is so early, she is shrouded in darkness. In a sense, darkness has overcome her.<br />
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She is perplexed and frightened to find the stone rolled away from an empty tomb. - Where have they taken her Christ??? She runs to get Simon Peter.<br />
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It is very significant that God allowed a woman to be the first to see the empty tomb. Again, God "shakes up" the order of things. A woman, the very lowliest of people in the Bible time, is allowed to make a discovery which would rock the ages! <br />
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BUT ! Mary does not understand. She stands at the tomb crying. <br />
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I can relate. I sometimes forget I serve a triumphant King. I get discouraged. I look only at the physical signs around me and forget the awesome "out of this world" gift I hold right here in my hands!<br />
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Jesus understands my confusion. Jesus understands Mary's confusion. He comes....to <u>both</u> of us. <br />
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Check it out in John Chapter 20:11-16:<br />
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<b><i>Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb <span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/20-12.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">12</a></span>and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><span style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/20-13.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">13</a></span></span>They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”</i></b></div>
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<b><i>“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”<span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/20-14.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">14</a></span>At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/20-15.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">15</a></span>He asked her, <span class="red" style="color: red;">“Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="reftext" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/20-16.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">16</a></span>Jesus said to her, <span class="red" style="color: red;">“Mary.”</span></i></b></div>
<b><i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).</span> </i></b><br />
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Oh, I can only imagine her joy! She runs to tell the others: <br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b><i>Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her</i></b>. -- John 20:18</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Jesus then appears to His disciples. Mourning is turned into dancing as they realize their Savior has risen! The words He speaks resonate into their lives. I can only imagine that He speaks these same words to me today: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Again Jesus said, </span><span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: red; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"></span></i></b><br />
<span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> -- John 20:21</span><br />
<span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span>
<span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Oh, thank you, Jesus, for giving me peace, just as you gave it to the disciples.</span><br />
<span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span>
<span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">-- May I never forget the second part of your statement: You are sending ME. </span><br />
<span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span>
<span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">John concludes his chapter with a key verse. I will also close with it. Thank you for hanging in as we studied the Book of John! My prayer is that you, truly have experienced verse 31 and have turned mourning into dancing because YOU have LIFE in His name! </span><br />
<span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span>
<span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span>
<span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="color: #001320; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. </span><span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/20-31.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">31</a></span><span style="color: #001320; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">But these are written that you may believe</span><span class="nivfootnote" style="color: #0066aa; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px;"><sup><a href="http://biblehub.com/niv/john/20.htm#footnotes" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;" title="Or may continue to believe">b</a></sup></span><span style="color: #001320;"><b style="font-style: italic;"> that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. -- </b>John 20:30-31</span></span><br />
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<b><i><span class="red" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: red; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span></i></b>
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<b><i><br /></i></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-24870246565274572602015-05-11T08:36:00.003-05:002015-05-11T14:53:21.058-05:00"D" is for.......a look at John Chapter 19<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes....I get discouraged. My computer pops up with all this bad news about our culture today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I begin to doubt my ability to deal with all this depressing debauchery. I despair. I get distracted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I'm not careful, I get derailed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A derailed doubter is not of much use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I read John Chapter 19 -- On the surface, one would think this is a downer description. John 19 describes the last moments of Jesus as He allows Himself to be tortured....for our redemption.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First....there comes the flogging:</span><br />
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<span class="text John-19-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26827B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26827B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-19-2" id="en-NIV-26828" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-19-3" id="en-NIV-26829" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span><b style="font-style: italic;">and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26829C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26829C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> And they slapped him in the face. -- </b>John 19:1-3</span><br />
<span class="text John-19-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text John-19-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Remember Pilot? - In John 18, Pilot asked, "What is truth?" Like the culture which screams at me from my computer screen, Pilot has no compass...He has no Savior...yet the Savior is standing right before him. </span><br />
<span class="text John-19-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text John-19-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Isn't that the way some respond to Christ today? They do not understand Jesus' message, so they wave their collective fists at Him. </span><br />
<span class="text John-19-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text John-19-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Hmmm....but Pilot has a nagging sense of fear and, perhaps, yearning, within him. He tries to appease the crowds by creating a public display of beating, but he really does not want to kill the one he calls "The King of the Jews" :</span><br />
<span class="text John-19-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
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<b><i><span class="text John-19-4" id="en-NIV-26830" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26830BC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26830BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26830BD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26830BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text John-19-5" id="en-NIV-26831" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26831BE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26831BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="text John-19-6" id="en-NIV-26832" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26832BF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26832BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26832BG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26832BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-7" id="en-NIV-26833" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26833BH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26833BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> because he claimed to be the Son of God.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26833BI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26833BI" title="See cross-reference BI">BI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-19-8" id="en-NIV-26834" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid,</span> <span class="text John-19-9" id="en-NIV-26835" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>and he went back inside the palace.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26835BJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26835BJ" title="See cross-reference BJ">BJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26835BK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26835BK" title="See cross-reference BK">BK</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text John-19-10" id="en-NIV-26836" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” </span></i></b></div>
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<span class="text John-19-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>-- John 19:4-16</span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Pilot is desperate now. How many proclaim self-made power to control the prompting of God within their hearts? Pilot truly does not want to be the one who pronounces a death sentence. He wants to remain "neutral" when in the face of the Savior. </span></div>
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But, as Jesus has always said, " you are either for me or against me." Have you ever talked to someone about your faith only to have them react, "Well, that's OK for you....But I don't want to commit." </div>
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<span class="text John-19-11" id="en-NIV-26837" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>Jesus answered, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26837BL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26837BL" title="See cross-reference BL">BL</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Therefore the one who handed me over to you<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26837BM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26837BM" title="See cross-reference BM">BM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> is guilty of a greater sin.”</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-12" id="en-NIV-26838" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26838BN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26838BN" title="See cross-reference BN">BN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> opposes Caesar.”</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-19-13" id="en-NIV-26839" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26839BO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26839BO" title="See cross-reference BO">BO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26839BP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26839BP" title="See cross-reference BP">BP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> is Gabbatha).</span> <span class="text John-19-14" id="en-NIV-26840" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>It was the day of Preparation<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26840BQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26840BQ" title="See cross-reference BQ">BQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the Passover; it was about noon.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26840BR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26840BR" title="See cross-reference BR">BR</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span class="text John-19-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>“Here is your king,”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26840BS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26840BS" title="See cross-reference BS">BS</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Pilate said to the Jews.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-15" id="en-NIV-26841" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-16" id="en-NIV-26842" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span><b style="font-style: italic;">Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. </b>-- John 19:11-16</span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The process of suffering and redemption has been set in place. The man who held on to no "truth" released the author and perfecter of all TRUTH to be crucified.</span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Please read the rest of the heart-wrenching description in John 19. I will not print it here. Read it and reflect, but do not despair.</span></div>
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"D" is for devil. I find it interesting that so many words which tend to distract us start with the letter "D". If I stopped reading John at the end of Chapter 19, I might end up depressed. </div>
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That's right where the devil would like me to be... mired in doubt and delusion. But I will not stop with John 19. I am a child of the victorious King who broke the chains of death as described in John 20 (read ahead!) and came to offer me....<b>delight</b>.</div>
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Sometimes...I get discouraged. But, because of the reality of John Chapter 19 and the hope and promise of John 20, I need not despair. When the world around me looks like its up for destruction, My Savior shines through and reminds me, <b>"I am the ultimate TRUTH. I will win in the end." </b> </div>
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Thanks for hanging in with me through John 19. Thanks for putting up with my alliteration. I'm personally going to try to avoid those "D" words in the future. I, of course, cannot do this in and of my own strength. </div>
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I will rely upon a Savior ... no doubt about it. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-66024347946475597302015-05-05T09:16:00.000-05:002015-05-05T09:16:58.734-05:00National Day of Prayer - Time for Thanks<h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -24px;"><b>Happy and Blessed National Day of Prayer!</b></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -24px;"><b> </b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There’s a fox on the card.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He’s holding a sign:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks a LOT!” he says.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I opened it up. Surprise. I hadn’t talked to Deb in a while. She was just checking in with me. – She said she wanted to say thanks for me….well…being me. That’s really not too hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> She included a little blue paper: “Blessings” was the heading. Then she listed one to ten with blank slots. Here was my assignment. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ime</span> to start thinking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. It’s time to do some communicating. – How about sending some thanks to a God who has blessed us beyond belief? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wait</span> a minute,” you might say. “Where <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">are</span> my blessing<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s</span>?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> This past year brought cancer to my door. My dad died. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three</span> surgeries carried my family into 2015. Oh, my…I still have blessings. I want to pray. I need to pray. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Prayer is really like my “Thank You” note from Deb. I need to check in with God. I need to <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">say</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">thanks for God being...well...God.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I’m picking up my blue <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">paper</span> and talking to God today on this National Day of Prayer. –Care to join me?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Thank you, God, for</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The glorious place in which I live. Home, village, country</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Time with my <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">husband</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> A trip to get Taylor <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from</span> college</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: small;">My church family and glorious way they rally around God and His projects</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fresh garden soil. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh</span> garden flowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kids Community Bible Study and children I love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The East St. Louis <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christian</span> Activity Center and children I love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Three daughters, two sons, and lots of friends I meet along the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God who gives me <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">strength</span> and focus and hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Foundation to stand on … hope for tomorrow.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-1617218930975308482015-04-21T11:42:00.003-05:002015-04-21T12:00:35.215-05:00Who Do You Choose? Denial, Doubt and Decisions <div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
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We are in John Chapter 18, simply titled: Jesus is arrested.</div>
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We're all so very familiar with this account, we may tend to gloss over it. But I want to focus on three parts of this sad account: the denial of Peter, the doubt of Pilate and the decision of the crowd.</div>
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In the darkness of the night, in an act of sheer cowardice, the Jewish leaders have captured Jesus. They proceed to drag him their high priest.</div>
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Peter follows the crowd dragging Jesus. I relate to this impetuous disciple so much! When Jesus is captured, Peter lets his anger get the best of him. He draws his sword and cuts off the ear of the servant of the high priest. <br />
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Jesus corrects Peter's mistake. --How many times must I call on Jesus to correct mine? </div>
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Now the once-bold Peter is slinking around in the shadows of Jesus' captors. He cannot stay hidden for long, however.<br />
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<b><i>"You aren't one of this man's disciples too, are you?" </i></b> a servant girl asks Simon Peter. </div>
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Peter speaks before thinking (I can relate!) <b><i>"I am not,"</i></b> he replies in a haze of fear and uncertainty. This would be the first of three times Peter denies Jesus. </div>
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I am Peter in word and deed. Sometimes I panic and blurt out the first thing which comes to mind. I don't like awkward moments. Sometimes, I just try to fit in with the crowd, without even thinking about it really.</div>
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--How many times have I denied Jesus? Yikes! </div>
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Don't miss the rest of the story on Peter, however. God uses cracked pots. Upon this quaking man in the shadows, God will, in fact, build his church. </div>
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Yes, there is hope for cracked pots when we experience the risen SAVIOR!</div>
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After the high priests slap Jesus around a bit, they realize they cannot condemn Him to death. </div>
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They need to drag him to a Roman leader in order to get HIM to do their "dirty work" for them. <br />
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Enter: Pilate, the Roman governor. In the early morning hours, the priests drag Jesus toward the Governor's palace. BUT, interesting enough, they will NOT enter. Entry will make them unclean to eat the Passover meal.</div>
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Geesh! These priests are, as Jesus has always said, hypocrites! They plot to kill. Their insides are deceitful, selfish, paranoid and evil. <br />
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BUT - They are worried about "keeping clean" for Passover. Oh, brother. What a collection of two-faced leaders!<br />
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Pilate comes out to meet them. --Why do I get the feeling Pilate is a weary?</div>
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He says he does not want to mess with Jesus:<br />
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<b><i>"Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law,"</i></b> he says.<br />
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That's not going to work for the cowardly priests, who want Jesus condemned to death by the Romans. </div>
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Here is what happened inside Pilate's palace:</div>
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<span class="text John-18-33" id="en-NIV-26819" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><b>Pilate then went back inside the palace,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26819AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26819AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26819AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26819AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="text John-18-34" id="en-NIV-26820" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><b><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">34 </span>“Is that your own idea,”</span> Jesus asked, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“or did others talk to you about me?”</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="text John-18-35" id="en-NIV-26821" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><b><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">35 </span>“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”</b></i></span><br />
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<span class="text John-18-35" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Pilate appears to be annoyed and weary with the situation. He does not want to deal with Jesus. He's stuck, however, and being pressured by the pesky leaders of the Jewish contingent. </span><br />
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<span class="text John-18-36" id="en-NIV-26822" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><b><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">36 </span>Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“My kingdom<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26822AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26822AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26822AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26822AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> But now my kingdom is from another place.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26822AT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26822AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NIV-26823" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><b><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">37 </span>“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.</b></i></span><br />
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Pilate has an earthly perspective. He does not realize he's staring into the face of an out-of-this-world king!<br />
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<span class="text John-18-37" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><b>Jesus answered, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26823AU" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26823AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26823AV" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26823AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></b></i></span><br />
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<span class="text John-18-37" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><b><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">38 </span>“What is truth?” retorted Pilate.</b></i> </span><br />
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<span class="text John-18-37" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Pilate's answer is the world's answer. It sends chills down my spine. The world does not want a definitive TRUTH to follow. This is so so very sad. Pilate represents a world without direction. No wonder he is so very weary and discouraged! Pilate represents culture today, in a word....empty. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text John-18-37" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Something speaks to Pilate's heart, however. He can find no guilt in the man standing before him. How can he get rid of this entity who makes him feel unsettled and wary? </span></span><br />
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<span class="text John-18-38" id="en-NIV-26824" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.</i></b><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26824AW" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26824AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="text John-18-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-18-39" id="en-NIV-26825" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">39 </span>But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”</i></b></span><br />
<span class="text John-18-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span class="text John-18-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Here is the out for Pilate....the chance to please the people and get away from the penetrating look of the gentle man brought before him. Pilate makes the world outside his door an "offer". </span><br />
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<span class="text John-18-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The people are clear. The people are easily influenced. The people are pawns in an evil game. </span><br />
<span class="text John-18-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">They give their answer, prompted by the enemy within their midst: </span><br />
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<span class="text John-18-40" id="en-NIV-26826" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">40 </span>They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.</i></b></span><br />
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<span class="text John-18-40" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The devil is still at work today. He is encouraging the crowds to deny Jesus. He is whispering in innocent ears. He is shouting from televisions. He is teaching in our schools and universities. </span><br />
<span class="text John-18-40" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span>
<span class="text John-18-40" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The devil is telling us there is no Truth. He is wearing us down, making us tired and discouraged. </span><br />
<span class="text John-18-40" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Let's be on the lookout...be diligent and faithful, lest we deny Jesus, doubt His Truth and make decisions which will impact mankind forever and forever. </span><br />
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<span class="text John-18-40" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">There are many lessons to be learned in John 18. </span><br />
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<b><i>...On to reading John 19. </i></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-42954628398114182002015-04-14T20:08:00.000-05:002015-04-14T20:08:54.456-05:00Joy in the Journey...The Story of the Dogwood <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Joy in the Journey</span></b></h2>
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I saw them 65 miles south of Atlanta.<br />
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We'd shared the road with palm trees and pine trees and mack trucks since south Florida. Florida surroundings were lush and green and manicured and walled.<br />
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North of Florida now, we drove the same road I followed with my father a year ago.<br />
Last year, we sang "King of the Road" and "On the Road Again" and other country favorites. I called them "cheatin 'n drinkin songs." My dad laughed at that. I loved to make him laugh.<br />
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My car was quiet this year. Brad nodded off in the passenger seat. Georgia trees were sprouting light feathery green, cut here and there by bare brown branches. Spring was just beginning here.<br />
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Sixty-five miles south of Atlanta I saw them. The dogwood trees were blooming. Their white promise cascaded down the hillsides. The flowers brought memories and, yes, joy to my journey.<br />
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Dusky gray clouds dimmed the light of the afternoon sky. The white blossoms created a soft glow, however. This was a comforting light.<br />
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I learned long ago about the dogwood tree. It's one of the first to bloom in spring, often coming on the heels of Easter. <br />
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Long before green leaves emerge, velvet white of four distinct petals push through. The petals form a cross.<br />
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At the tip of each petal, a touch of reddish brown pierces the white. The petal curls back at the pierce as if recoiling from pain. <br />
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The center of the flower is distinct. A circle of thorny yellow and brown creates a crown. The crown is at the center of the cross. <br />
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In the cloudy afternoon, the white crosses shimmered. In the shower of white, songs I had lost came back to me. I reconnected with joy.<br />
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Joy is an inside job. Unlike happiness, which is rooted in what "happens" to us, joy is hinged to a Savior, a cross and love which washes light over a dull life. That joy gives us a hope and a future no matter what "happens" to us.<br />
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Even death is not an ending for believers in the cross. Even pain takes on meaning when we understand the gift. Jesus gave us that gift. <br />
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Sixty-five miles south of of Atlanta I was reminded of joy. As my car skimmed brown hills patched with vibrant white, I smiled.<br />
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I discovered joy on my journey home and, in the silence of my car, I sang. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-67886840553215246252015-03-31T14:23:00.000-05:002015-03-31T14:26:36.593-05:00Up Front For Easter <div style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">McDonalds think they have it figured out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pulled up to the drive-thru today. A cheery voice practically shouted at me with enthusiasm:</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>“Welcome to McDonalds!”</em> the metallic voice chirped. <em>“Buy a fillet extra value meal and get a <u>second</u> fillet for a <u>dollar!”</u> </em></span> <em> </em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The voice continued talking before I could reply: <em>“What can I make for <u>you</u> today?”</em> </span> T <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he enthusiastic voice audibly clicked and went silent.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A new, slightly weary voice came on the line. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>“What would you like?” </em> the beleaguered voice said. The young man was trying to sound cheerful, but I could tell it had been a long, hectic shift.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I gave my order and started thinking. I often live my life like the recorded voice in the McDonalds drive-thru. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the outside, I may be perky and enthusiastic, but my insides are a little weary. Life has been a long, hard shift and I’ve forgotten who to run to for peace. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter: Jesus and the promise of Easter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus is the essence of God's love come to earth for weary souls. He knows our true identity and loves us long after the recording winds down. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes I think we’re all broken people trying to pretend we're not broken. We turn on the recording and sound perky. W</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">e mask our insecurity with laughter, loud talk or even quiet self-confidence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Truth be told, when we face real life issues, like pain and sorrow and disappointment and death, we need help to fill the God-shaped hole in our hearts. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter: Jesus and the promise of Easter</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people try to fill this hole with temporary things: Money, jobs, relationships, kids, food, drink and, yup, even good works. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Others try to fill the hole with militancy. They scream “Show me your approval" and "Make me feel good about myself or I’ll sue you!” The problem is, they still feel empty and they don’t know why. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter Jesus and the promise of Easter. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people try to fill the hole in their hearts with a victim mentality. They fill up with self pity and stagnate, waiting for someone to give them what they think they deserve.. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter: Jesus and the promise of Easter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we give Jesus our lives...He fills our holes. He fixes the broken. He gives self-worth to the insecure and victory to the victims.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's as simple as choosing to believe in Jesus and the promise of Easter.</span></div>
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McDonalds may think they have it figured out -- provide a perky recording to mask the human frailty of its workers.</div>
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God had a better idea: Provide a Savior to bring frail humans back into the presence of His empowering love. </div>
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I think I'll let Jesus fill my hollow places. No recordings necessary. It only takes a moment...a prayer...to let Him in. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-48986393556135296012015-03-22T18:46:00.000-05:002015-03-22T18:46:35.916-05:00John 17 - A Savior in a World of Challenge<b><i>Oh, friends, the time is just flying - taxes, finances, work, church, challenges! I have missed looking at John! Tonight I uncovered John 17 and want to write about it.</i></b><br />
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John 17</h2>
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Read through John 17. Jesus is really prepping his followers for his departure. <br />
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John brings in Jesus’ words which certainly clarify His role on earth and our ability to be saved through HIM.<br />
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Check out the first verse and see how Jesus gives us salvation and eternal life: <br />
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After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:<br />
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<b><i>“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began</i></b>. -- John 17:1-5<br />
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I looked up the word, “glorify” in my trusty dictionary. I love this definition:<br />
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Glorify: “to honor; extol; to give glory to, as in worship” <br />
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When I read on, I felt like Jesus was talking to God about <u>me</u>. I know He is referring to His disciples and followers, but read the rest of the chapter as if He is talking to God about YOU. <br />
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<b><i>“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>and to see my glory, the glory you have given me </i></b></div>
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<b><i>because you loved me before the creation of the world.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>I know you, and they know that you have sent me. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known </i></b></div>
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<b><i>in order that the love you have for me may be in them </i></b></div>
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<b><i>and that I myself may be in them.”</i></b> -- John 17: 24-26</div>
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The words of Jesus calm me and let me know -- Jesus is asking God to cover me when I am in the trenches of this world.<br />
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That’s a good thing to know.<br />
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God can only protect me if I am reflecting Him in the world. <br />
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Jesus is also saying HE will supply us with the love we need and also be IN us… when we invite Him.<br />
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I don’t know how people face the problems of this world without Jesus. <br />
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I’m so glad Jesus helps us -- He brings meaning to suffering and focus to confusion. He equips us for this crazy world with His LOVE!<br />
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I LOVE Him and pray you do, too!<br />
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Have a wonderful week!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-57764680559677023162015-03-05T08:33:00.003-06:002015-03-06T07:57:01.098-06:00John 16 - Falling into Jesus' Arms <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivztvXdShxvFsl7pPomLLvVDa44MpAkTYo_7XOM-Aqus_-QDBexX4SJ6BeKODoKPyJUr92XBquSx2xgNbwM2oKzoP9Z28y0iH6RqkKQzbsjEdIIppqGfUox8Ma7USZRsHY89xFwuNFkXQ/s1600/scenic+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivztvXdShxvFsl7pPomLLvVDa44MpAkTYo_7XOM-Aqus_-QDBexX4SJ6BeKODoKPyJUr92XBquSx2xgNbwM2oKzoP9Z28y0iH6RqkKQzbsjEdIIppqGfUox8Ma7USZRsHY89xFwuNFkXQ/s1600/scenic+view.jpg" height="247" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“<b><i>I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.</i></b></span><b><i><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26760AV" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26760AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> In this world you will have trouble.</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26760AW" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26760AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> But take heart! I have overcome</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26760AX" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26760AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> the world.”</span></i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">--John 16:33</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Drat. I had really hoped I would sail through this world without much trouble. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">When I was in my 20s, I thought I could outsmart trouble. I lived my life boldly and bravely, skirting the edges of problems and thumbing my nose at consequences.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Then trouble hit me, full force, flat in the face. I lamented my predicament. I figured God must not be aware of my struggles. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Then I read John 16:33. Just WHY did you have to <u>guarantee</u> trouble, God?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">As I've walked this journey for 50+ years, I've begun to understand why. Now that I'm facing cancer, I cling to the reality of this verse. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Without darkness we would not see light, without depth, no sparkling shallows, without pain, no healing solace, without struggle, no roots of faithful strength. </b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">In John 16:33 Jesus tells me HE is the only source of peace. Key words to this verse are:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“</span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>I have told you these things, so that <u>in me</u> you may have peace."</i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Being "in" Christ is a lot different than my typical Sunday morning check in. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I have given my life to Jesus. I remain in Him and He in me as I struggle through my day. When I run away from Jesus' presence, however, I get lost in trouble.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">What I need to do is fall into the loving arms of Jesus. There, nestled in the warmth of His love, I will discover the promise of </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">John 16:33:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b><i>"But take heart! I have overcome the world." </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">WOW! That is the best news of all! All this stuff the world throws at me is no match for the Savior who loves me!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Jesus overcomes problems....as long as I REMAIN IN HIM! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I should NOT run away from Jesus to my own anxiety, fears and earthly whining. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Cancer is no match for Jesus. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">In the end, I know....with Jesus... I can overcome the world. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-42456874596316864622015-02-19T09:43:00.003-06:002015-02-19T09:47:40.764-06:00John 15 -- Staying Connected<div class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text John-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">I woke up this a.m. and read John 15 -- BEAUTIFUL! </span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoDLKE5GD1vZMkVjsXubomZIUngkKm8m47fBcP7RmV49po0Pkqwzkq0uSfDVd0uv2TKTheFA0yvODOk4EIIbIFQbIy7_K3aUenKwUBibgDA2KhUZO5u3vHTDQjxraoWakpV5Uxc0VPaY/s1600/vine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoDLKE5GD1vZMkVjsXubomZIUngkKm8m47fBcP7RmV49po0Pkqwzkq0uSfDVd0uv2TKTheFA0yvODOk4EIIbIFQbIy7_K3aUenKwUBibgDA2KhUZO5u3vHTDQjxraoWakpV5Uxc0VPaY/s1600/vine.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="text John-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Jesus' imagery of a vine really pops out at me! Matter of fact, I wrote a newspaper article about this verse. I'll share it with you below.</span></div>
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<span class="text John-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span><span class="text John-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">First, however, take a moment to pray for God to reveal His personal TRUTH to you. </span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Then, read John 15: 5-8 below.</span></div>
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These verses tell us about staying connected to the source of our strength. <br />
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When I read this, I realize I need to focus, stick with Jesus and....LOVE.</div>
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<b><i><span class="text John-15-5" id="en-NIV-26705" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26705G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26705G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>apart from me you can do nothing.</span> <span class="text John-15-6" id="en-NIV-26706" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26706H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26706H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text John-15-7" id="en-NIV-26707" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">If you remain in me <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26707I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26707I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26707J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26707J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> </i></b><span class="text John-15-8" id="en-NIV-26708" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><b style="font-style: italic;">This is to my Father’s glory,</b><span style="font-size: 0.625em; font-style: italic;"><b><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26708K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26708K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></b></span><b style="font-style: italic;"> that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." </b>-- John 15:5-8</span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">My vine was getting to be a nuisance. It snaked its way up our brick wall and covered the water spout. I tried pulling it off and gave up in a huff. This vine had to go.</span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">I pulled my trusty clippers out and systematically cut each tendril at the base. Then I got distracted. Weeds called my name and I walked around the corner to the garden.</span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">It did not take long. Next time I turned the corner, I was shocked to see a mass of wilting vine leaves. The rootless branches were limp and weak. They had been disconnected from the life source. I yanked the vine down with no problem.</span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Hmmmm. This vine reminded me of my life sometimes. I let myself get cut off from Christ. Then I wilt and wonder why. </span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Enter: Jesus. In John 15:5-8, Jesus tells me HE is the vine and I am His branches. If I run away to my projects, my schemes, my plans and try tackling my frustrating problems on my own, apart from my Savior, I wilt. </span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">It's pretty easy to pull me down on those days. I lose my color and I'm all dried out on the inside.</span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">John 15 tells me Jesus is my life-giving Savior. I need to stay connected through prayer, quiet time and Bible study. Truth be told, if I've cut myself off from Jesus, I'm really not accomplishing much. </span><br />
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You can't get much fruit from a shrinking vine. <br />
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Lest I get discouraged, however, God told me "the rest of the story" in John 15:9-17. I am forgiven and refueled when I run back to Jesus and experience His love. <br />
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What little kid does not want to be loved? Suddenly, I feel revived. Check out the book of John:</div>
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<i><b><span class="text John-15-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“As the Father has loved me,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26709M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26709M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.</span> <span class="text John-15-10" id="en-NIV-26710" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>If you keep my commands,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26710N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26710N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.</span> <span class="text John-15-11" id="en-NIV-26711" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26711O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26711O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text John-15-12" id="en-NIV-26712" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26712P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26712P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text John-15-13" id="en-NIV-26713" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26713Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26713Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text John-15-14" id="en-NIV-26714" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>You are my friends<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26714R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26714R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> if you do what I command.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26714S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26714S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text John-15-15" id="en-NIV-26715" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26715T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26715T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text John-15-16" id="en-NIV-26716" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26716U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26716U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> so that you might go and bear fruit<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26716V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26716V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26716W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26716W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> </b></i><span class="text John-15-17" id="en-NIV-26717" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><b style="font-style: italic;">This is my command: Love each other. </b>-- John 15:9-17</span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The vine by my house is gone now, but the stump remains - a reminder of what was once there. When I hooked up the hose this spring, I noticed something interesting. </span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">At the base of the vine, tiny leaves appeared. This was not the end of the vine. New branches were starting. </span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">God makes it clear: When we stay connected to the One who loves us, new life appears.</span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">I need to fall into the arms of a loving Savior, ask for forgiveness and soak up some love. Only then will I get the truly important things done. </span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Only then will my branches reach out in love. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-84412669032405972182015-02-04T13:22:00.000-06:002015-02-04T13:22:06.331-06:00John 14 - A Promise of Peace Man oh man! This Chapter is SOOOO comforting and SOOOO clear!<br />
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How can anyone read this chapter and not understand Jesus is God and the only way to get to Heaven, which is a super place??????!!!!<br />
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Oh, how I love this Chapter and how clearly Jesus tells the TRUTH!<br />
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Setting the stage -- Peter (I always think I am just like impetuous Peter!) has just said he wants to die for Jesus in John 13:37<br />
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<b><i>Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” -</i> John 13:37</b><br />
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Jesus' answer is so sharp and penetrating:<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! - </i>John 13:38<br />
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Well, I would think Peter is feeling AWFUL about this. So Jesus gives him some reassurance as we start<br />
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<b>John Chapter 14: </b><br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">“Do not let your hearts be troubled." You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” </b><br />
- John 14:1-4<br />
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These verses remind me of walking up the hill with my daughter Brynn when she was 5 or 6. She was looking up.<br />
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"What you looking at, Brynn?"<br />
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"Heaven. God's sweepin out my room up der."<br />
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Haha! Love it!<br />
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Again, I LOVE how John captures the sheer humanity (and human frailty) of the people around Jesus.<br />
It makes me feel so much better to know those folks did not always understand Jesus! Just listen to how confused the disciples were:<br />
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<b><i>Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” </i></b><br />
<b><i> Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. </i></b><b><i>If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” </i></b><br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.</b> - John 14:5-9<br />
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WOW -- People still don't get this. Jesus says He is the Father -- How can we be confused????<br />
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<b><i>Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. </i></b><b><i> Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. </i></b><b style="font-style: italic;"> And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it </b>- John 14:11-14<br />
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Zowee! Can I really do great things? Jesus says so, as long as I am doing "the works Jesus has been doing"<br />
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Also -- interesting -- Read verses 13-14 -- THIS is why we pray in Jesus name!<br />
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Does this mean He will always give us what we pray for?<br />
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Hmmmm I think sometimes He answers prayer in a different way. This is not always immediate. We just have to figure out what Jesus is doing...and join Him. <br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b style="font-style: italic;">“If you love me, keep my commands." </b>-John14:15<br />
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You are pretty clear here, Lord, but how can I do this? I'm pretty weak. I need HELP!<br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and He will be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. </b>- John 14:16,17<br />
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Oh....this must be that still, small voice that tells me..."Something is wrong here" or "You should do this..."<br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." </b>--John 14:18<br />
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I'm so glad I am NOT alone EVER! I've got a Daddy. I am NOT and orphan, even when my parents have left this earth!<br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.</b><br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;"> Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them -</b> John 14:19-21<br />
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Judas does not understand why Jesus would not reveal himself to everyone. Remember -- Judas wanted to follow the SPLASHY - POWERFUL leader. He really is disappointed in this humble servant with poor Public Relations skills!<br />
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Again, I love the conversations John captures! Remember: HE was there!<br />
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Jesus is such a wonderful communicator -- He reassures his followers before all the craziness happens. Did you notice how He tells them he is going?<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. </i>- John 14:25-26<br />
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Thank you, Jesus, for the Holy Spirit! ALSO thank you for the following statement which helps me in so many circumstances:<br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.</b> - John 14:27<br />
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Don't look to the world for peace.<br />
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Run into the loving arms of the one who understands you and loves you the most: Jesus.<br />
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See you next week in John 15! Read and be ready!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-40983981660888340962015-01-22T08:19:00.000-06:002015-01-22T08:19:30.880-06:00John 13 - Humble Servant <span style="font-size: large;">Hello, my loves! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had to make a mad dash out of town, so I'm a bit behind. I thought we'd jump on over to John 13 and learn a bit more about serving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week in John 12 we looked at Mary washing Jesus' feet with perfume. Today, we see yet another foot washing...this one done by the King of Kings...Lord of all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Read John 13 and let's chat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus and his disciples have gathered for the Passover meal. They enter the room with dusty clothes and dirty feet. Usually, a servant of the household is ordered to clean the feet of the visitors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, however, something unbelievable is about to happen. The King of Creation will take on the job of the servant. He will remove his outer clothes and bend down with a basin of water. He will kneel at the feet of his disciples. WOW! I can't imagine the sight! </span><br />
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<b><i><span class="text John-13-2" id="en-NIV-26633" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26633D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26633D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-13-3" id="en-NIV-26634" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26634E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26634E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and that he had come from God<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26634F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26634F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and was returning to God;</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-13-4" id="en-NIV-26635" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26635G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26635G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></i></b><span class="text John-13-5" id="en-NIV-26636" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26636H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26636H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him</i></b>. -- John 13:2-5</span></span><br />
<span class="text John-13-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text John-13-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jesus, the King of Kings, became the humble servant...can we? </span></span><br />
<span class="text John-13-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-13-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Pay close attention to how Jesus treats the one who will betray him.... He washes his feet.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.</b> </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">--John 13:13-17</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's follow Jesus' lead in humble service! Ask yourself -- Did Jesus also wash Judas feet? How are we supposed to treat those who persecute us?</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” </span></i></b><span style="font-size: large;">John 13:34-35</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">ZOWEE! Jesus was really giving us guidance here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally -- there is Peter -- How I relate to him! He's quick to speak, but often falls short. </span><span style="font-size: large;">He claims he will always follow Jesus -- but Jesus knows better ! How often do I fall short? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In spite of those faults, however, Peter is used in such a MIGHTY way by God!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am glad God uses us Cracked Pots! Hooray!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">See you in John 14!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>PS -- Ask yourself:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>___Am I growing closer to Jesus or am I distracted? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>___Am I willing to become the servant ? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>___Can I do the dirty jobs? </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I am asking this before work today! Now on to the task! </i></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-1039895382699974502015-01-14T09:06:00.004-06:002015-01-14T11:11:00.242-06:00Poured Out and All In - John Chapter 12 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a frugal person. OK, let's not mince words. I'm cheap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John Chapter 12 begins with Jesus back in the home of my favorite dynamic duo, Mary and Martha. Jesus is preparing for the Passover with his friends, including Lazarus, who, by the way, Jesus just raised from the dead in John Chapter 11.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While Martha is busy getting everyone served at the gathering (The Bible tells us simply "Martha served"), Mary kneels (ever the contented one!) and pours a bottle of expensive perfume on Jesus' feet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What? Perfume on FEET? Expensive? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmmm. I think I (a typical Martha) would have over analyzed this thing. Why waste a good product ? Do you really want to use ALL of it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would the guests think? How embarrassing! Besides, perfume on feet is NOT practical! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary gives no thought to practicality. Her heart is all in. She not only empties the jar, she then wipes Jesus's feet with her <u>hair</u>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did I mention everyone walked dirty roads with sandals back then? Yech! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would have over-thought this. But Mary....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mary, her heart full of love, does the right thing. She pours herself out.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why can't I?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus tells the gathering Mary is giving him perfume to annoint His body for death (Is Jesus predicting something here?) BUT, why wait til death? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bible says the room was filled with the fragrance of the perfume....NICE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Judas protests. He says the perfume could be sold for the poor. Truth be told, old Judas wants that money within his reach....You folks remember who Judas is, right??? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="text John-12-4" id="en-NIV-26585" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26585G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26585G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> objected,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-12-5" id="en-NIV-26586" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">“Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.</span><span class="text John-12-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"> </span></i></b><span class="text John-12-6" id="en-NIV-26587" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><b><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26587H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26587H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> he used to help himself to what was put into it</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text John-12-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><b><i></i></b> -- John 12:4-6</span></span><br />
<span class="text John-12-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-12-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm ashamed to say, I can be like Judas sometimes. I wait. I analyze, I hesitate to spontaneously serve my Savior. In some ways, I betray Jesus. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text John-12-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus tells me to stop waiting. </span></span><br />
<span class="text John-12-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-12-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like we shouldn't wait til the funeral to send the flowers, we shouldn't wait to do what God wants us to do. Right now. No excuses. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="text John-12-7" id="en-NIV-26588" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>“Leave her alone,”</span> Jesus replied. <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26588I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26588I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span></i></b><span class="text John-12-8" id="en-NIV-26589" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>You will always have the poor among you,but you will not always have me.”</i></b> - John 12:7-8</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text John-12-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="text John-12-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is more to John 12, but I want to stop here and savor.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text John-12-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I think I need to ask myself a few questions. How about you?:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">___What am I holding back?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">___Is there something I need to "pour out" at Jesus' feet?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">___Do I need to do something,say something,forgive something or <u>ask</u> for forgiveness RIGHT NOW?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">___Am I waiting until the funeral to speak what I need to say to a person RIGHT NOW?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>I love you, Jesus. Help me be less cheap. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Help me pour out my love on you and others...without hesitation. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More on John 12 to come... Read Chapter 12 and pause to think about it. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676322307312135243.post-76981953429443011262014-12-31T09:06:00.000-06:002014-12-31T09:06:24.991-06:00Do you believe in Jesus? John Chapter 11 - We can triumph over death! <h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy and Blessed New Year !</span></div>
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<i>I am so comforted by John 11! When all seems lost...when life is hard...when time seems to have run out...JESUS COMES. </i></div>
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<i>What a wonderful message for a New Year! </i></div>
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<b>John 11 -- The dead will rise again!</b><br />
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OH, WOW! Situations are really cranking up in my Journalist John’s account of Jesus life!<br />
John reminds me so much of a newspaper writer. He captures conversations and situations with a keen, sharp report in his Book of John. As a journalist myself, I am so excited to read John's account! <br />
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Soooooo..... Here we go. Be sure to read John Chapter 11! <br />
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Remember - in John 10 -- there was our Good Shepherd - The Jews were ready to stone Him. <br />
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-- Away He goes to the area where John the Baptist ministered. Many believed Him there!<br />
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But, life goes on and problems are everywhere.<br />
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Remember Mary & Martha? I LOVE their story. I am so much like Martha. I run around, worrying, planning, and fussing sometimes!!!! In Luke, Chapter 10, Martha was hosting Jesus in her home. Her sister Mary was sitting at Jesus feet listening to every word He had to say. <br />
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Needless to say, Martha gets angry at her sister. She needed help. She asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her.<br />
Jesus stops and lovingly talks to Martha. <br />
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I have to smile -- I like to think of Jesus putting his hands on my shoulders (like He did Martha!) and saying, <b><i>“Laurie, Laurie (Martha, Martha) --</i> <i>you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed …Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be take away from her.”</i> -- Luke 10 </b><br />
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Mary sat at the feet of Jesus -- Martha served. Nothing wrong with that, but Martha missed an opportunity to LISTEN! <br />
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In John chapter 11, however, it is some time after that Jesus visit. A terrible thing has happened. Mary & Martha’s brother Lazarus has died. <br />
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What’s worse, Jesus did not rush to the rescue. Basically, Jesus let Lazarus die. BOY - that was confusing to the sisters!<br />
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When Jesus finally gets to the sisters, Martha runs up to pour her heart out to her friend:<br />
<span class="text John-11-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span class="text John-11-21" id="en-NIV-26545" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26545R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26545R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-11-22" id="en-NIV-26546" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” - John 10:21-22</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text John-11-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Martha is desperate here. She is begging Jesus for help. Man, I have been there many times!<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b></span></span><br />
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Just check out the following conversation. Jesus words are perfect here: <br />
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<b><i> Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Do you believe this?”</i></b><br />
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<b><i> “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” </i>-- John 11: 25-27</b><br />
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I am so proud -- MARTHA got it right! She believes in Jesus! She does not know it, but Lazarus is about to come back from the dead!<br />
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NOW --<br />
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Do you have a situation you think God is running late on? Have you asked and asked and not heard an answer? <br />
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Is there something dead in your midst and you have given up all hope? Are you hoping the new year will bring the answer you need? <br />
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Every person has questions he or she wishes Jesus would move faster to answer -- make things clearer -- take the pain away -- SOLVE THE PROBLEM.<br />
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Jesus may be waiting for a reason. <br />
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<b>Are you learning to depend on Jesus in the depth of your despair? Think about it.</b><br />
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Lazarus was dead, smelly and closed off in a tomb.<br />
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The girls had cried, grieved and probably given up. <br />
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ENTER: Jesus!<br />
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Notice the shortest verse in the Bible:<br />
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<b><i>Jesus wept.</i> -- John 11: 35.</b><br />
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You see, Jesus is so connected to us, he grieves with us. What a beautiful, touching gesture!<br />
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THE REST OF THE STORY:<br />
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Sometimes, we just don’t know what direction Jesus is moving us to … until we get to our destination and look back!<br />
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Things may seem dead and without hope, but Jesus is there beside us. Perhaps He cries when He sees our despair -- <b>BUT He always brings us LIFE -- not death.</b><br />
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I’m glad I’m a Martha who believes. <br />
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In spite of my flaws, I see ultimate hope in the RESURRECTION -- THE LIFE : MY JESUS!<br />
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<b>This is a new year. This is a new opportunity. If you have not already done so, I pray you have stopped and asked Jesus to come into your life and take over. </b><br />
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<b>That, my friends, is truly the beginning of life.</b><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0